Following service in the Navy Air Corp and his architecture studies, Jim (BArch U of Oregon 1954) interned in Tacoma with Robert Billsborough Price FAIA before establishing his architectural practice in 1960.
With partners in Harris, Reed, Litzenberger and Tsang and later Harris Tsang, he worked on educational, commercial, residential, and medical projects, meriting numerous design awards.
Jim’s AIA service began in 1957, and he served as AIA SW Washington President in 1973. In 1976 his AIA Northwest & Pacific Region colleagues elected him to serve on the AIA national Board; and in 1979 he served as a national Vice President. His AIA service extended to China, Australia, New Zealand, a NW Regional Conference in Helsinki, and UIA Congresses in Cairo, Egypt and Brighton, England.
With a compelling interest in the evolution of downtown Tacoma, Jim engaged in the Tacoma community, as Founding co-chair of the Downtown Area Revitalization Task Force (DART), President of the Downtown Association, and with Tacoma Art Museum, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations.
Reference: James M. Harris